Do you have swimming with whale sharks on your bucket list? St Helena Island offers you the chance to swim with the world largest fish in one of the most remote places in the world. 

Book for the next whale shark season between January and April 2026, and swim with gentle giants in the subtropical waters of the South Atlantic.

Why St Helena Island?

St Helena Island offers one of the few places in the world where you can responsibly swim with whale sharks in warm, crystal-clear waters. St Helena is particularly special as these gentle giants visit our island each year, in equal numbers of male and female suggesting they come to the island to mate.

Book your tour

To experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, book with one our local tour operators:

• Dive Saint Helena
• Wicked Wahoo
• Enchanted Isle Limited

Each operator follows strict guidelines to ensure all interactions are safe, sustainable, and respectful of the whale sharks.

Protecting our marine life

St Helena is committed to protecting our marine life, and we work hard to protect our visiting whale sharks.

Here’s what to expect during your tour:

• No diving is allowed with whale sharks – snorkelling only.
• Maximum of 8 snorkelers in the water at any one time.
• Two vessels only are allowed near the whale sharks. 
• You must not touch or ride the whale sharks – it’s not only harmful to the whale sharks but also a finable offense under our Environmental Protection Ordinance.
• Keep your distance – stay at least 3m from the body and 4m from the tail and always stay to the side of the shark.
• No flash photography underwater.

These rules are in place to protect both you and the whale sharks, ensuring that this experience remains available for future generations.

Ready to visit St Helena Island?

Whether you’re an ocean enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply  – swimming with whale sharks in St Helena is your

Book now for the January – April 2025 season and tick this off your bucket list! Find your flights on Airlink.